Boulder County Sheriff's Accepting Citizens' Academy Applications

BOULDER COUNTY, CO — The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office will be hosting a 24-week citizens’ academy for area residents. Participants will receive information on different aspects of law enforcement work in a classroom setting and experience several hands-on learning opportunities.

"This is a chance to gain a better understanding of the role law enforcement plays in our community," the sheriff's office said in a statement.

Participants will meet Thursday evenings from Oct. 3 through March 26, with breaks for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

Some of the topics to be covered include:

• Patrol
• Criminal and death investigations
• Disaster management
• Identity theft and forensic computer investigations
• Demonstrations including K9, SWAT and bomb disposal
• Hands-on training including defensive tactics and tactical decision making
• Tours of the Communications Center and Jail

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The academy is open to people who are 18 years of age or older. Those who have prior felony convictions or a misdemeanor conviction within the past year are excluded from participation, the sheriff's office said. The class will be limited to 25 students. Applications must be turned into the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office by Sept. 18.

There is a $30 fee, which covers an academy polo shirt and classroom materials, the office said. Applications and additional information can be found on the sheriff’s office website.

Questions about the citizens’ academy can be directed to Sergeant Jones at bjones@bouldercounty.org or 303-441-1681 or Reserve Deputy Hershman at dhershman@bouldercounty.org.